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DOJ Sues California Over 20,000+ Noncitizen Ballots

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 3:20 PM UTC · How we work

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Trump threatens jail

The U.S. Justice Department sued California, charging 28 individuals with election-related crimes linked to ballots of more than 20,000 likely noncitizens.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned California officials they could be jailed for counting the contested ballots.
Secretary Shirley Weber said California lacks data to verify the 20,000-plus likely noncitizen list.
Attorney Michael T. van der Veen said prosecutors must prove officials knowingly aided unlawful voting.

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DOJ Voter Intimidation

The U.S. Department of Justice sued California and charged 28 green-card holders with registration and voting tied to over 20,000 noncitizen ballots.
Critics say the DOJ action threatens voter intimidation and could disenfranchise eligible citizens before the midterm elections.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber called DOJ’s demand to discard ballots outrageous and unsubstantiated.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said arrests aim to intimidate voters and erode confidence.

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Trump threatens jail

The U.S. Justice Department sued California, charging 28 individuals with election-related crimes linked to ballots of more than 20,000 likely noncitizens.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned California officials they could be jailed for counting the contested ballots.
Secretary Shirley Weber said California lacks data to verify the 20,000-plus likely noncitizen list.
Attorney Michael T. van der Veen said prosecutors must prove officials knowingly aided unlawful voting.

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